BMW Confirms New M8

The same day BMW releases the Concept 8 Series, the company also confirms development of an upcoming M8. Actually, the company went so far as to release official spy shots of the M8 that is currently in testing, providing a solid confirmation of a hotter version of BMW’s upcoming flagship coupe.

Of course the company isn’t providing any technical details about the car just yet; those have to wait for the official reveal. Nonetheless, the spy shots show what we expect from any M car: larger air intakes, four exhaust outlets and a more aggressive body kit. BMW is only saying that the M8 will provide “significantly boosted power” versus the normal 8 Series.

“The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel,” explains Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. “The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility. It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers’ most exacting requirements.”

Along with the M8, BMW also confirmed development of their race-spec car, the M8 GTE. The GTE will mark BMW Motorsport to Le Mans: “The BMW M8 GTE development programme for our Le Mans comeback is in full swing,” says BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “Developing a new racing car is always exciting, and in the case of the BMW M8 GTE the anticipation is that much greater still. We can’t reveal any pictures yet, but I can promise you that the BMW M8 GTE will look spectacular. We are planning an initial roll-out for the first half of this year and are looking at giving the car its race debut in the Daytona 24 Hours in late January 2018.”

About Nick Saporito

AutoVerdict Senior Editor Nick Saporito began writing about cars at age 13. Nick ran a couple of automotive enthusiast sites for several years, before taking some time off to focus on his career and education. By day he's a marketing executive in the telecom world and by night he hangs out here at AV. You'll find him focusing on tech, design and the industry's future.